Bedside Table Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Nightstand

A bedside table is more than just a place to rest your phone or a morning cup of coffee. It helps anchor your sleep space and keeps your essentials within reach. However, picking the wrong size — one that’s too tall to reach comfortably or too wide for your walkway — can quickly turn a stylish bedroom into a frustrating one.

This guide will help you understand standard bedside table dimensions, how to match your table height to your mattress and how to choose a piece that fits both your bed size and your lifestyle.

Key takeaways

• Ideally, your bedside table should be level with the top of your mattress (or within 5cm).
• Most bedside tables range from 40cm to 60cm wide.
• Larger beds look best with wider tables, while smaller beds suit slimmer units.
• Keep depth between 30cm and 45cm to avoid access issues.
• Always ensure drawers can open fully without obstruction.

Why bedside table size matters

Getting the size of your bedside table right is a mix of ergonomics and aesthetics. Too high and you’ll be reaching upward awkwardly. Too low and items can be knocked over easily.

Well-proportioned bedside tables also help your bedroom furniture feel balanced, calm and intentional rather than cluttered or mismatched.

What are standard bedside table dimensions?

Most bedside tables fall within standard size ranges that work comfortably with Australian bed frames and mattresses. Knowing these ranges makes choosing the right option much easier.

Bedside table height

Most bedside tables measure between 45cm and 60cm high.

Bedside table width

• 30–40cm: Ideal for single beds or narrow rooms.
• 45–55cm: The sweet spot for most queen beds.
• 60cm+: Best suited to king beds and large bedrooms.

Bedside table depth

Standard depth ranges from 30cm to 45cm. Anything deeper can create a corner‑bumping hazard when getting in and out of bed.

What is the ideal bedside table height?

The golden rule is simple: aim for the top of your bedside table to be level with the top of your mattress.

If you can’t find a perfect match, a table that sits 2–5cm higher than the mattress is usually better than one that’s lower.

Expert tip: Matching bedside tables create a classic look, but asymmetrical setups can work well in awkward layouts.

How big should your bedside table be for your bed size?

Bed size	Recommended bedside table size and style
Single & King Single	Slimline, compact designs that don’t overpower the bed. Open shelving keeps the space light.
Queen	Medium-width tables (~50cm) offering enough surface space without crowding.
King	Wider tables (60cm+). Small chests can also work well as nightstands.

Finish your bedroom with styling and lighting

Once you’ve chosen the right size, styling completes the look and keeps the surface functional without clutter.

Lamps

A well-chosen lamp adds warmth and task lighting. For comfort, the base of the lampshade should sit around eye level when seated in bed.

Storage options and material durability

• Timber/wood: Warm and durable, but unsealed wood can mark easily.
• Metal, glass and laminate: Spill‑friendly and easy to clean.
• Storage styles: Drawers for hidden clutter, open shelves for a lighter look or hybrids for flexibility.

Room size and walkway clearance

• Gap: Leave 5–10cm between bed and table.
• Walkway: Keep at least 60cm clear to walls or wardrobes.
• Drawer clearance: Ensure drawers open fully.

Expert tip: If a bedside table sits partly on a rug, use felt pads on the legs to prevent wobbling.

Bedside table storage options

• Drawers: Best for hiding chargers and small items.
• Open shelving: Keeps small rooms feeling less heavy.
• Hybrid: A drawer plus shelf offers the best balance.

Nightstand material and style tips

• Timber: Warm, timeless and durable.
• Metal and glass: Ideal for modern or industrial rooms.
• Upholstered: Creates a soft, cohesive look with fabric bed bases.

Create a space you’ll love retreating to

Choosing the right bedside table comes down to matching height, size and storage to your lifestyle.

Explore Fantastic Furniture’s bedroom furniture range online or in store to complete your space.

FAQs

What is the standard height for a bedside table?

Most bedside tables sit between 45cm and 60cm. Matching your mattress height is ideal.

What width is best for a king bed bedside table?

Choose tables at least 60cm wide to balance the scale of the bed.

How deep should a bedside table be?

30–45cm is ideal. Deeper tables can be awkward in tight spaces.

Should bedside tables match mattress height?

Yes. Matching heights improves comfort, usability and visual alignment.